Godspeed Leonidas
The parallels are stunning. The precedent is the stuff of legend. What is a hero? Who is a heroine? Sometimes they are extraordinary people, more often they are ordinary imperfect people rising up to do the right thing under extraordinary circumstances. It doesn’t matter what facts you choose to believe from your social media feed of choice. The nihilists are wrong. Heroes exist.
The ancient Spartan King Leonidas is immortal to this day. In contemporary European times, the gallantry of a King Albert of Belgium, or the brazen grit of a Sir Winston Churchill come to mind. No one thought any of them would come to power, yet all three inspired the world.
In 480 BC, a despot from the East, invaded Greece’s fledgling democracy with a massive army. The world knows the story to this day. A Spartan king stood and died at Thermopylae. Fifteen hundred years later, few recall the despot's name, just say the word Spartan and Leonidas comes to mind.
In August of 1914, the German Empire gave tiny Belgium an ultimatum. Let us pass to attack France or else. King Albert of Belgium refused and led the defence of his country for four years.
Sir Winston Churchill is the most dramatic modern example. He was extraordinary, flaws and all. Compelling arguments were made by both his friends and foes alike, but none could deny his eloquence or courage. The fact is, Hitler had almost won it all in 1940. The Nazis ruled Western Europe. Only Britain remained, and her army had been thoroughly defeated and forced to leave their weapons behind at Dunkirk. The German Luftwaffe was the most powerful air force in the world. They were already bombing England as a prelude to invasion. It seemed a foregone conclusion; Hitler would rule Europe. England must surrender.
She did not.
Churchill’s brazen defiance against the odds, bolstered the British people, and inspired the world. He was the first to show the world the Nazis could be beaten.
Flash forward eighty-two years. Mark Twain was right. “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes.” The peace in Europe has been shattered. A despot from the East, is once again attacking a European democracy. Russia has invaded Ukraine once again. Two things are very clear. The Russians have overwhelming military superiority, and the Ukrainian people have lion hearted spirit.
The Ukrainians have a leader. A European leader is inspiring his people, and the world once again.
Russia’s Putin underestimated Volodymyr Zelensky. It was easy to do so. Hollywood would have rejected this script. Zelensky was literally a comedian, with zero political experience, elected to office. He was embroiled in the Trump impeachment story.
The Russians will likely win in Ukraine. Their assassination teams are aggressively targeting the Ukrainian leadership. President Zelensky of Ukraine refuses to leave encircled Kyiv. He is imploring his countrymen to resist tyranny and thus setting an example for the ages.
President Zelensky will likely die fighting for his people’s freedom.
The world is watching all of this. This is a real man. This is a leader.
He is rising up to face overwhelming evil.
Zelensky’s leadership in the crucible is shaming the world’s apathy against tyranny. Ironically a comedian, makes the most powerful leaders in the free world seem like a gaggle of narcissistic, corrupt clowns.
As I watch young people celebrate Carnival in Europe the sounds of merriment abound. Young people are costumed, singing, flirting and having fun. The kids are munching candy. This is the way the world should be. Yet, right now in Kyiv young people are fighting invading Russian tanks amidst calls for Molotov cocktails.
Is this modern Europe?
No matter what happens in Ukraine this will be the end of Putin. This is a wake-up call for Europe. The world has been reminded evil exists. NATO will grow in power, united against tyranny. Russia’s neighbours Finland and Sweden will join NATO. The blowback will be overwhelming.
Godspeed President Zelensky of Ukraine.
You are a modern Leonidas.